Posted on
4/12/2008 1:18:44 PM
NBA Basketball Betting - Cleveland at Chicago
By Charles Jay
WHO: Cleveland Cavaliers (43-35 SU, 36-42 ATS) at Chicago Bulls (30-48 SU, 33-45 ATS)
WHERE: United Center in Chicago
WHEN: Friday, April 11 at 7:05 PM ET
BetUS NBA betting odds: Cleveland -4.5, Total 197
In the HEAD-to-HEAD NBA betting trends:
* CHI has won and covered four of the last six meetings
* Five of the last seven meetings have gone OVER the total
* Six of the last seven meetings in Chicago have gone OVER the total
* CHI has had the shooting edge in five of the last six meetings
* CLEV has made more three-pointers in five of the last eight meetings
Cleveland has averaged 20.1 assists and 13.2 turnovers a game. The Cavs are just 72% from the charity stripe, 28th in the NBA. Also:
* CLEV has covered two of its last seven road games
* CLEV has lost six of its last seven road games SU
* CLEV has played six of its last eight road games OVER the total
Chicago is sixth in the league in home rebounding (44.7 per game). The Bulls are allowing opponents to shoot 45.1% from the field. Also:
* CHI has lost four of its last five games SU
* CHI has covered one of its last six home games
* CHI has lost four of its last six home games SU
* CHI has played four of its last six home games UNDER the total
Chicago seems now to be officially playing out the string, following a 12-point loss to Washington at the United Center with a horrible straight-up defeat to Miami and a 115-83 rout at the hands of Orlando. Cleveland comes into the Windy City as a team looking for a little payback, having lost last Thursday to these same Bulls by a 101-98 score.
LeBron James scored 33 points for the Cavs last time out against the Nets, pretty remarkable considering he is nursing back spasms that almost sat him out.
Chicago has not gotten the job done at home this season (only 15-23 ATS) and has covered 33% of the time as a home dog. Cleveland should have a decided edge on the boards, and Ben Wallace will contribute to that. The 6'9" center, who has battled aches and pains all year, has gotten inspired a bit for his games against his old mates, pulling down 27 rebounds and blocking seven shots in three meetings since he was dealt.
Another Cav who has been pretty solid since the trade deadline is former Sonic Delonte West, who's had 28 assists and just eight turnovers over his last five games, with 53% shooting. Cleveland hasn't quite jelled with its new personnel yet, but there is still something to play for, in terms of sealing up a home playoff series.
We'll lay the points on the road with Cleveland, the 4.5-point favorite in the BetUS NBA basketball betting odds.
JAY'S PLAY: CLEVELAND
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(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com is a freelance writer and handicapper who not only can make his shots from the top of the key, but also contributes with gusto to the BetUS Locker Room)